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5 Ways to Embrace Change at Work and in Life

This week’s Friday resource comes from Inc. and offers 5 ways to welcome change when it arises in the workplace and in our personal lives.

Avoiding the unavoidable is a fight we can’t win. Change is unavoidable—and continual. The antidote for the negative feelings we have when change arises is to embrace it. What we are able to see when we give up the fight is that most changes are positive in the long run, and they have a purpose that can serve our personal growth and the growth of organizations. Changes often occur as a means of improvement and as the result of something “not working.”

Per Rhett Power, Head Coach and Inc. contributor, here are some ways to let go of resistance to change:

1. Change is Inevitable and Embracing Change Encourages Development

“Because we repel change, we sometimes go through life without ever living up to our full potential or allowing ourselves to express who we really are. Change is an inevitable part of life and no matter how happy we are with how things are currently, life will always change.”

2. Analyze Your Life and Find the Negative

“Sometimes we change because we are attempting to rid negative habits or people from our lives. The sooner you become aware that change is going to happen and become open to accepting it in your life sooner, the better off you will be. Be diligent in the way you analyze your life. What are the positives and more importantly, what are the negatives? Are there things that you recognize as non-beneficial but you feel stuck in those actions?”

3. Make Change While You Can, Before Change Makes You

“It is better to initiate changes ourselves using free will than to let our life progress down a negative path until change affects us in a dramatic way. When you are consciously aware of change, it is much easier. Explore the world and the endless possibilities available to you. Find new opportunities, be brave and face fear. The world isn't as scary as you might think and there are lots of things out there that are potentially life enhancing but you have to explore them.”

4. Everyone Has Doubt, Fear and Uncertainty

“Everyone has fears and insecurities that stop us from doing this. This doubt and uncertainty is normal and you can never overcome it. All that you can do is learn to embrace it. There will never be a time where you are complete absent of these thoughts and emotions, you will just learn to act anyway, regardless of whether they are there.”